...to wonder why people are so rude about vegans?

[CheekyWombat101]

Obviously not everyone, but in general, I can’t go a single day without hearing a comment or spotting an eye roll if the word ‘vegan’ is spoken out loud. It’s like a dirty word. Ironically a word usually brought up by someone who isn’t vegan, but starts the conversation and then takes offence at it. It’s really bizarre.

Over and over again you hear associated words like... fad, militant, extreme, unhealthy...

Why? Why do some non-vegans take such an interest, and such an offence to it all?

Non-vegans who don’t care or are supportive - you are awesome! Please keep doing what you’re doing, it’s really refreshing.

I can't think of anyone I know IRL who has ever expressed any general opinion on vegans or veganism. Certainly no strong opinions.

I know people who call selves vegan but they don't meet the British definition of veganism. So then there are folk on MN who say those self-labeled vegans aren't legit vegans. The definition insisters would feel this is really important point to make and insist that what they say is only valid viewpoint (can be kind of extreme in their tone, even aggressive).

I wonder where OP is hanging out...

Seems like the only extremists I know in relation to any aspect of veganism are MNers who have strong opinions about who qualifies as one.

Because they can be a complete pain. Ask if they want a cup of tea, oh yes please but do you have soya/almond/rice fucking milk which the average person doesn't, they have 4 pints of ordinary Tesco milk. Why not just say black tea please?

sanctimoaners

@Alsohuman

Where did I say you had to be vegan to eat soy? Sorry to burst your bubble.

With that in mind, are you telling me they aren't clearing millions of acres of land, and redirecting water courses, to grow the stuff to cater to the vegan and vegetarian markets? Yes or no will suffice.

According to this article, the majority of soy produced is for animal feed.

I enjoy meat and dairy products, and, as it is legal to purchase these items have nothing to 'defend'.

Others are free to choose whatever lifestyle choices they want.

Other than that, I don't wish to hear about it. Same goes for religion or politics.

Nothing wrong w Veganism if that’s what you want to do for whatever reason but I don’t want it rammed down my throat.
DD has a vegan friend who does it to her, and it gets on her nerves even though she’s vegetarian. She prob will go vegan - or almost vegan - at some point which I will respect but I don’t want to hear the vitriol.

Living in a livestock-perfect corner of the UK, why would I not eat the finest meat and dairy products on the planet? There's no accident that my local butcher sells the same meat offered on Harrods, Selfridges and Fortnums butchery counters.

I’m a vegetarian not a vegan altho I try really hard not to have dairy. I must admit that I’m reluctant to tell new people this as I feel embarrassed by the aggressive, nasty and vitriolic way many vegans behave and communicate across the media on social media and in the community, I have loads of examples some on my own Twitter where I tweeted a moderated view to something being discussed on one of the BBC One Sunday shows that left me genuinely a bit scared. It’s obviously not all vegans but the ones who behave like this do shout very loud. There was that story recently on how a family butcher with young children had signs placed outside his shop saying they hoped he and his family died and wishing cancer on them - abominable behaviour.

There seems to be a general belief on MN that the UK is driving down EU food quality standards, and it isn't true. The UK is one of the strictest environments in the world, and the conditions for producing high quality healthy meat (as in grass-fed, suckled beef, outdoor reared pigs and free roaming sheep) are second to nowhere. Our damp temperate climate grows the best grass in the world. There are operators who attempt to produce food cheaper and dupe the public, but the UK is producing as many and equally good meats and cheeses as France. You need to seek them out and buy them.